Not Quite so Radical: a Modern Critique of Mary Wollstonecraft Feminism

Historical Context of Gender Politics

Gender roles of 18th century British society were seemingly set in stone. Men, who were presumed to be the superior of the sexes, were to hold all the power, both politically and domestically, and they were expected to exist, to some extent, in the public sphere. Women were expected to assume inferior positions in society and in the home, and it was only acceptable for them to exist in the private sphere.

To understand the full scope of gender inequality in 18th century Britain, consider these key aspects:

1. Political Rights
   • Men held exclusive voting rights
   • Women had no representation in Parliament
   • Female property rights were limited
2. Education
   • Formal education was male-dominated
   • Women's education focused on domestic skills
   • Female intellectual pursuits were discouraged
3. Social Status
   • Women defined by relationship to men
   • Limited career opportunities
   • Restricted public presence
4. Legal Rights
   • Women considered property of male relatives
   • No divorce rights for women
   • Limited custody rights over children

Comparative Analysis of Contemporary Feminist Perspectives

Wollstonecraft's Paradoxical Position

Based on this understanding of the strictly divided gender politics that were prevalent during this time period, it is no surprise that Mary Wollstonecraft's "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman" was perceived as being a radical and progressive display of feminism when it was written. Published in 1792, Wollstonecraft's work evaluates the nature of gender roles and the impact that these divisional roles have on a society, and this criticism, especially coming from a female, was not conventional. However, to the modern feminist, Wollstonecraft's argument is flawed.

The Limitations of Wollstonecraft's Feminism

Karen M. Offen's analysis in "European Feminisms, 1700-1950: A Political History" provides crucial insight:

"Although Wollstonecraft may not merit her reputation as the 'first' English feminist, she became best-remembered—and retrospectively the most maligned—advocate of women's emancipation in her time. Her language and her arguments, as eloquent as they seem in her opening volley against male tyranny, are by comparison to those of her French counterparts remarkably mild."

Despite her advocacy for equal education opportunities, Wollstonecraft does not desire gender equality. Rather, Wollstonecraft perpetuates concepts of male superiority, and she suggests that women should seek education only so that they may better their lives within the confines of their prescribed gender roles.

The Physical Superiority Argument

In her evaluation of gender politics, Wollstonecraft openly accepts the idea of male superiority. She writes: "In the government of the physical world it is observable that the female in point of strength is, in general, inferior to the male. This is the law of nature." This position fundamentally undermines female physical capability and ignores significant aspects of female strength, such as childbirth.

The Problem of Female Agency

Wollstonecraft's portrayal of women as "intoxicated by the adoration which men, under the influence of their senses, pay them" reveals a problematic view of female agency. This characterization suggests women lack self-awareness and are content with their subordinate position due to simple mindedness rather than systematic oppression.

The Masculine Ideal

Philip Hicks notes how Wollstonecraft dismisses feminine qualities in favor of masculine ones. Her assertion that women should "grow more and more masculine" reveals a fundamental flaw in her feminist philosophy - the implicit acceptance of masculine traits as superior.

Critique of Femininity

Wollstonecraft's treatment of femininity as weakness represents perhaps her most significant departure from modern feminist thought. She writes that "soft phrases, susceptibility of heart, delicacy of sentiment, and refinement of taste, are almost synonymous with epithets of weakness." This rejection of feminine qualities as valuable traits demonstrates the patriarchal influence on her thinking.

Conclusion

While Wollstonecraft's work was groundbreaking for its time, modern feminist analysis reveals significant limitations in her approach. Her acceptance of patriarchal frameworks, dismissal of feminine qualities, and limited vision of female potential make "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman" more a product of its time than a truly radical feminist text. Rather than challenging the fundamental structures of gender inequality, Wollstonecraft sought to help women function better within existing constraints - a position that falls far short of modern feminist ideals of genuine equality and liberation.